Peniche is also known for its long windy beaches, sought for recreational activities and sports such as surf, windsurf, Bodyboarding or kite surf. These beaches have very good waves. Supertubos, waves formed with very fast and powerful tubular movements, are very popular in the region and are considered of the best in Europe. Some call a supertubo the "European Pipeline".

The Berlengas islands, about six miles offshore from the peninsula, are part of the municipality. They are one of the world's first protected areas as nature reserve. In summer, the islands can be visited by taking a ferryboat from Peniche.

Peniche, with its typical harbour, its white windmills, chapels and large sand beaches has inspired famous artists like Maurice Boitel.

Besides primary, secondary and vocational education, Peniche is home of a state-run polytechnic school of the Instituto Politécnico de Leiria, which through its Escola Superior de Turismo e Tecnologia do Mar de Peniche, awards academic degrees in marine technologies and tourism.

Peniche is one of the best surfing locations in Europe. It has beaches and breaks facing in 3 distinctly different directions making it a very variable and consistent destination for surfers. Home to many surf camps/schools and recently the destination for the WCT of the ASP (World championship tour of Association of surfing professionals) in time for the autumn swells.